CastMember 02
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 9, 2009
- Messages
- 405
Here are my thoughts of travelling in a covid-19 world
We all live in Southern California and needed a Disney Park fix
Our Trip was Sunday October 18- Wednesday October 28 2020.
10-18-20 Airport-LAX
I had an early 8am flight so there were minimal people around and the flight I was on was not to capacity. I was also in a gate that was down a long corridor which definitely made me “feel” safer. The gate area had ample signage as well as the airport announcer constantly reminding to wash hands, keep distance and so on. The Ramp agent had the worst of it, NO ONE LISTENS. Boarding in groups of 10, 10! Southwest needs to literally call A1 then A2 and so on because other words everyone slams to be “first”. Southwest also is doing no middle seat until at least December 1 which is great. The plane looked and smelled brand new. During flight only water and snacks are provided, no booze or sodas. I get it but it made the flight “boring”
Airport-DAL (Dallas Love)
Arriving at Dallas (2 hour layover) everyone when the plane landed tried to rush the door, Southwest should call out the rows just like the boarding i feel. The airport itself looked clean but was busy. I got a whataburger and then waited to board the 2nd plane. Same things as before in LAX. Poor Southwest Agents.
Airport-MCO (Orlando)
Arrived Orlando at 6:30pm GHOST TOWN! Walked across concourse to get bags from baggage claim (Magical express is NOT currently offering Luggage Pick up) and got Disney’s Magical Express. On the bus you are assigned a seat, yay finally some structure!
Arrival at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Check In was online so we went directly to the room. (there is an open door feature on the app now or you can use your magic band) Greeted in our room with “enhanced cleaning procedures” I’m sorry Disney but did you not clean these items regularly before? Hmmmm. Went to explore via the Skyliner, One party per Gondola Car, Social distance stickers every 6 feet, yada yada. Never in 10 days did weI see a gondola being cleaned. I assume they are cleaned every 2 hours like the attractions. We arrived at Disney's Riviera Resort, Spectacular sums it up. We visited Primo Piatto (Riviera;s Quick Service) and have to agree, our whole traveling party fell in love with this quick service location except for their gelato (absolute abomination) We also picked up our refillable mug here. (They do not use your mug, instead give you a regular cup with your requested beverage) Ordering is done via the My Disney Experience app (mobile Order) and is quick and efficient however if you have picky eaters you will need to opt for a cashier as not all food items can be modified on the app which does seem like a misstep on disney’s part. Back to the hotel for showers and get ready for our first park day, Magic Kingdom!
10-19-20 MAGIC KINGDOM- Time for some overdue Disney magic
So we had heard about the crazy lines for buses and transport before we arrived so we decided to leave the hotel 45 minutes after each park had opened, well that was a GOLDEN TICKET we never waited for transport utilizing this method. Arriving at MK we walked over to the temperature screening and through security, scanned magic band and Boom! Welcome to Magic Kingdom. We were there on a Monday and crowds were manageable. The town square area and hub was mostly void of people, great for photopass photos! A mini parade started and we stood on the curb and enjoyed ( we really like the spontaneity of this form of character interaction) we rode a few attractions, everyone respected the rules, masks, social distancing and so on. We had lunch at Skipper Canteen, servers and many cast members will be wearing face masks and face shields. Cast interactions were great and they are so happy to be back to creating magic. More attractions and mini parades. Then a fun thing and please try it once during your covid trip. Book a restaurant (sit down) for at or after park closing. We were the last 3 guests out of magic kingdom 2.5 hours after closing and got some AMAZING photos with no guests. (yes we asked security if ok to take some photos and they obliged)
10-20-20 EPCOT- The least shaded park on Earth!
This will be short and sweet. Rode what attractions were open and tried a few food booths
EPCOT was our least favorite this trip, SO much construction and with the countries not being staffed with their native cast members everything there felt off. Also if you are there on a weekday plan on what feels like half of the food and wine booths being closed or the ones that are open and are normally popular with guests to have extended queues since most booths had only 1 cashier. I feel Mobile order for the booths would be helpful like they do at California Adventure during their food festivals. Skyliner transport is very efficient, please note that if you are on a Skyliner Resort there are NO Buses to or from your resort to EPCOT or HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS unless there is inclement weather. Also EPCOT Skyliner drops you off in between France and UK so know ahead that you will be starting in the World Showcase.
10-21-21 ANIMAL KINGDOM- Yay Animals!
Just like Magic Kingdom we waited 45 minutes then headed to the bus stop and bam! No wait and into the park, zoom zoom. Animal Kingdom was not very crowded and we completed all attractions by early afternoon. Also check out the Gorilla trail as they have an 18 month old gorilla on display (very cute) I think we enjoyed the character interactions here the most and felt they were the most creative. I would say AK had the most additional stuff closed or only available weekends.
10-22-20 HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS- To the Darkside we go!
Waited our normal hour then took the Skyliner to the park, Our plan all along was to try for the 2pm Boarding Group for Rise. We had reservations at the Brown Derby and the food was most excellent. I had the filet and a slice of grapefruit cake and while it was pricey it was worth the investment. On the way out we saw the Club 33 entrance, I feel bad that the WDW version from what i hear, is just lounges and no actual lunch/dinner service. Then the witching hour (2pm) came upon us and we got in! 6 people boarding group 79! I will preface the review of rise as I Am NOT a star wars fan, I know enough but not all the intricacies. First off the queue is the same level of detail as Indiana Jones at Disneyland. The pre show(s) were very detailed and elaborate. The ride itself and the trackless system is definitely impressive, I do however not enjoy so much reliance on TV screens to immerse guests into a story, that part of it felt very Universal Studios and down market for the Disney Company. We rode all other attractions and enjoyed them, finally we ended with Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, This was definitely great and fresh for Disney, A ride that is NOT IP based (i know someone will say Mickey and Minnie are IP, ya ya) Again Screens, not a fan especially for faces ie. Frozen ever after. On our second railway ride Mickey's face was glitching to very dark. Both Mickey and Minnie's Railway and Rise show what CAN be achieved when a healthy budget is allotted to WDI. Also if you are a fan of the Mandalorian there is a Magic Shot from Photopass that has The Child in his Pram. It is only available at the Battu Toy Story entrance on the left hand side.
10-23-20 MAGIC KINGDOM VERY BUSY ROUND 2
Today Magic Kingdom’s hours are extended until 8pm. Our day pretty much went the same way as Monday until the sunset. We were horrified to see how many people were taking masks off to take castle pics and the like. Guests did this in front of Security and I think security CM’s are frankly burned out and did not speak to or remind guests of mask protocols. This is also the day where we firmly did not believe in Chapek’s statement of the Parks being at only 25% capacity. Me and 2 friends all left at three different times one at 7, one at 755pm and me at 840pm. All of us text each other saying wow main street looks like fireworks just ended. The crowds were like that for roughly 1.5 hours! definitely think more than 25% on that day! Also a note. Emporiums line to enter went into the depths of Adventureland at park closing, It does move swiftly however just be prepared if you like to do your shopping at the end of the day.
10-24-20 POOL DAY/RESORT DAY
Pool was very uncrowded during daytime hours, the Soundtrack at the 50’s bowling pin pool was great and relaxing. Towels were available and masks do NOT have to be worn around the pool deck. Overall relaxing day, Disney Springs for Brunch Sunday!
10-25-20 DISNEY SPRINGS
We had a Brunch reservation for Homecomin’ Definitely a great place, very good service and the food was delectable, Hallelujah Biscuit anyone? Then we did the balloon above the Springs, It sure shows how much growth the Downtown Disney area, now Springs has experienced over the years. Visited shops all around and did the coca cola tasting up on the rooftop, a neat experience. Then ended the day with a wine slush from Amorette's Patisserie. Also to NOTE: There is no longer direct service to Disney Springs from the Theme Parks.
10-26-20 EPCOT, EMPTY ROUND 2
Very slow day in the park, Frozen was 35 minutes the entire day, everything else was a walk on. Finished food and wine booths we missed on day 1. I must recommend from karamel kuche in germany the gingerbread caramel cookie sandwich, just so good!
10-27-20 ANIMAL KINGDOM- DEATH RAY HEAT AND RAIN!
Very very low crowds, FOP was only 20 mins all day everything else walked on all day. Did Safari at roughly 1pm all animals hunkered down due to the excessive heat. DID I MENTION IT WAS HOT 97 I BELIEVE, I noticed clouds building and finally rain! Re-did Safari almost every animal was up and active due to the rain, even the lions and the male lion even roared which is extremely rare to witness. (the safari guide did explain if it starts to rain that's the best time to start your safari too) Temp dropped to 74 WOW! Great Day overall, tomorrow is TRAGICAL EXPRESS back to MCO.
10-28-20 TRAGICAL EXPRESS TO MCO
So this was probably the most interesting part of the trip,when we arrived at MCO for the trip there was great structure and organization, leaving well, it was like a cattle call. On the bus please just sit and lets go, almost as though since we were leaving no more protocols were needed we were headed off property no longer Disney’s issue. It left a sour taste. As for the airports home we stopped in Dallas again so if you read getting there on day 1 it was the same stuff just in reverse.
FINAL THOUGHTS-
We all live in Southern California and needed a Disney Park fix
Our Trip was Sunday October 18- Wednesday October 28 2020.
10-18-20 Airport-LAX
I had an early 8am flight so there were minimal people around and the flight I was on was not to capacity. I was also in a gate that was down a long corridor which definitely made me “feel” safer. The gate area had ample signage as well as the airport announcer constantly reminding to wash hands, keep distance and so on. The Ramp agent had the worst of it, NO ONE LISTENS. Boarding in groups of 10, 10! Southwest needs to literally call A1 then A2 and so on because other words everyone slams to be “first”. Southwest also is doing no middle seat until at least December 1 which is great. The plane looked and smelled brand new. During flight only water and snacks are provided, no booze or sodas. I get it but it made the flight “boring”
Airport-DAL (Dallas Love)
Arriving at Dallas (2 hour layover) everyone when the plane landed tried to rush the door, Southwest should call out the rows just like the boarding i feel. The airport itself looked clean but was busy. I got a whataburger and then waited to board the 2nd plane. Same things as before in LAX. Poor Southwest Agents.
Airport-MCO (Orlando)
Arrived Orlando at 6:30pm GHOST TOWN! Walked across concourse to get bags from baggage claim (Magical express is NOT currently offering Luggage Pick up) and got Disney’s Magical Express. On the bus you are assigned a seat, yay finally some structure!
Arrival at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Check In was online so we went directly to the room. (there is an open door feature on the app now or you can use your magic band) Greeted in our room with “enhanced cleaning procedures” I’m sorry Disney but did you not clean these items regularly before? Hmmmm. Went to explore via the Skyliner, One party per Gondola Car, Social distance stickers every 6 feet, yada yada. Never in 10 days did weI see a gondola being cleaned. I assume they are cleaned every 2 hours like the attractions. We arrived at Disney's Riviera Resort, Spectacular sums it up. We visited Primo Piatto (Riviera;s Quick Service) and have to agree, our whole traveling party fell in love with this quick service location except for their gelato (absolute abomination) We also picked up our refillable mug here. (They do not use your mug, instead give you a regular cup with your requested beverage) Ordering is done via the My Disney Experience app (mobile Order) and is quick and efficient however if you have picky eaters you will need to opt for a cashier as not all food items can be modified on the app which does seem like a misstep on disney’s part. Back to the hotel for showers and get ready for our first park day, Magic Kingdom!
10-19-20 MAGIC KINGDOM- Time for some overdue Disney magic
So we had heard about the crazy lines for buses and transport before we arrived so we decided to leave the hotel 45 minutes after each park had opened, well that was a GOLDEN TICKET we never waited for transport utilizing this method. Arriving at MK we walked over to the temperature screening and through security, scanned magic band and Boom! Welcome to Magic Kingdom. We were there on a Monday and crowds were manageable. The town square area and hub was mostly void of people, great for photopass photos! A mini parade started and we stood on the curb and enjoyed ( we really like the spontaneity of this form of character interaction) we rode a few attractions, everyone respected the rules, masks, social distancing and so on. We had lunch at Skipper Canteen, servers and many cast members will be wearing face masks and face shields. Cast interactions were great and they are so happy to be back to creating magic. More attractions and mini parades. Then a fun thing and please try it once during your covid trip. Book a restaurant (sit down) for at or after park closing. We were the last 3 guests out of magic kingdom 2.5 hours after closing and got some AMAZING photos with no guests. (yes we asked security if ok to take some photos and they obliged)
10-20-20 EPCOT- The least shaded park on Earth!
This will be short and sweet. Rode what attractions were open and tried a few food booths
EPCOT was our least favorite this trip, SO much construction and with the countries not being staffed with their native cast members everything there felt off. Also if you are there on a weekday plan on what feels like half of the food and wine booths being closed or the ones that are open and are normally popular with guests to have extended queues since most booths had only 1 cashier. I feel Mobile order for the booths would be helpful like they do at California Adventure during their food festivals. Skyliner transport is very efficient, please note that if you are on a Skyliner Resort there are NO Buses to or from your resort to EPCOT or HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS unless there is inclement weather. Also EPCOT Skyliner drops you off in between France and UK so know ahead that you will be starting in the World Showcase.
10-21-21 ANIMAL KINGDOM- Yay Animals!
Just like Magic Kingdom we waited 45 minutes then headed to the bus stop and bam! No wait and into the park, zoom zoom. Animal Kingdom was not very crowded and we completed all attractions by early afternoon. Also check out the Gorilla trail as they have an 18 month old gorilla on display (very cute) I think we enjoyed the character interactions here the most and felt they were the most creative. I would say AK had the most additional stuff closed or only available weekends.
10-22-20 HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS- To the Darkside we go!
Waited our normal hour then took the Skyliner to the park, Our plan all along was to try for the 2pm Boarding Group for Rise. We had reservations at the Brown Derby and the food was most excellent. I had the filet and a slice of grapefruit cake and while it was pricey it was worth the investment. On the way out we saw the Club 33 entrance, I feel bad that the WDW version from what i hear, is just lounges and no actual lunch/dinner service. Then the witching hour (2pm) came upon us and we got in! 6 people boarding group 79! I will preface the review of rise as I Am NOT a star wars fan, I know enough but not all the intricacies. First off the queue is the same level of detail as Indiana Jones at Disneyland. The pre show(s) were very detailed and elaborate. The ride itself and the trackless system is definitely impressive, I do however not enjoy so much reliance on TV screens to immerse guests into a story, that part of it felt very Universal Studios and down market for the Disney Company. We rode all other attractions and enjoyed them, finally we ended with Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, This was definitely great and fresh for Disney, A ride that is NOT IP based (i know someone will say Mickey and Minnie are IP, ya ya) Again Screens, not a fan especially for faces ie. Frozen ever after. On our second railway ride Mickey's face was glitching to very dark. Both Mickey and Minnie's Railway and Rise show what CAN be achieved when a healthy budget is allotted to WDI. Also if you are a fan of the Mandalorian there is a Magic Shot from Photopass that has The Child in his Pram. It is only available at the Battu Toy Story entrance on the left hand side.
10-23-20 MAGIC KINGDOM VERY BUSY ROUND 2
Today Magic Kingdom’s hours are extended until 8pm. Our day pretty much went the same way as Monday until the sunset. We were horrified to see how many people were taking masks off to take castle pics and the like. Guests did this in front of Security and I think security CM’s are frankly burned out and did not speak to or remind guests of mask protocols. This is also the day where we firmly did not believe in Chapek’s statement of the Parks being at only 25% capacity. Me and 2 friends all left at three different times one at 7, one at 755pm and me at 840pm. All of us text each other saying wow main street looks like fireworks just ended. The crowds were like that for roughly 1.5 hours! definitely think more than 25% on that day! Also a note. Emporiums line to enter went into the depths of Adventureland at park closing, It does move swiftly however just be prepared if you like to do your shopping at the end of the day.
10-24-20 POOL DAY/RESORT DAY
Pool was very uncrowded during daytime hours, the Soundtrack at the 50’s bowling pin pool was great and relaxing. Towels were available and masks do NOT have to be worn around the pool deck. Overall relaxing day, Disney Springs for Brunch Sunday!
10-25-20 DISNEY SPRINGS
We had a Brunch reservation for Homecomin’ Definitely a great place, very good service and the food was delectable, Hallelujah Biscuit anyone? Then we did the balloon above the Springs, It sure shows how much growth the Downtown Disney area, now Springs has experienced over the years. Visited shops all around and did the coca cola tasting up on the rooftop, a neat experience. Then ended the day with a wine slush from Amorette's Patisserie. Also to NOTE: There is no longer direct service to Disney Springs from the Theme Parks.
10-26-20 EPCOT, EMPTY ROUND 2
Very slow day in the park, Frozen was 35 minutes the entire day, everything else was a walk on. Finished food and wine booths we missed on day 1. I must recommend from karamel kuche in germany the gingerbread caramel cookie sandwich, just so good!
10-27-20 ANIMAL KINGDOM- DEATH RAY HEAT AND RAIN!
Very very low crowds, FOP was only 20 mins all day everything else walked on all day. Did Safari at roughly 1pm all animals hunkered down due to the excessive heat. DID I MENTION IT WAS HOT 97 I BELIEVE, I noticed clouds building and finally rain! Re-did Safari almost every animal was up and active due to the rain, even the lions and the male lion even roared which is extremely rare to witness. (the safari guide did explain if it starts to rain that's the best time to start your safari too) Temp dropped to 74 WOW! Great Day overall, tomorrow is TRAGICAL EXPRESS back to MCO.
10-28-20 TRAGICAL EXPRESS TO MCO
So this was probably the most interesting part of the trip,when we arrived at MCO for the trip there was great structure and organization, leaving well, it was like a cattle call. On the bus please just sit and lets go, almost as though since we were leaving no more protocols were needed we were headed off property no longer Disney’s issue. It left a sour taste. As for the airports home we stopped in Dallas again so if you read getting there on day 1 it was the same stuff just in reverse.
FINAL THOUGHTS-
- Disney needs more Incredicrew Cast
- Disney needs to allow for modifications on the mobile ordering for more items
- Disney should allow for a full room cleaning and new sheets after 7 nights we only had towels and trash done every 2 days. We were there 10 nights.
- Extend the Disneyland Annual Pass discount to WDW and Shop Disney
- Offer a CA Resident rate, literally 1 in 3 people we spoke to was from California
- Pool Hours were 10-10 Really would have been great if 10-11 (1 hr would help so much)
- Disney Springs Also needs a 1 hour extension (especially with no direct bus from parks)
